The Police in Soroti led by area DPC Geoffrey Kayemba are under public fire for entering a church during prayers, spraying teargas at Christians, before arresting nine members of the congregation.
The arrested individuals are members of Christians of Lifeline Ministry who are accused of contravening a court order staying any activities at their church. These include among others George William Okoit, Mary Aciro, Gilbert Isamat and Moses Odongo.
DPC Kayemba led the Anti-riot police which stormed the church on Sunday and dispersed Christians attending prayers, saying there was a court order staying activities at the church.
Currently, the church is at the center of a dispute between Apostle Peter Oyet and Bishop James Israel Tukei.
This dispute, which is before Soroti high court, has split Christians into two camps allied to Oyet and Tukei.
Now, Michael Odongo, the East Kyoga Region Police spokesperson confirms the arrest of nine suspects but declines to divulge details.
Paul Omer the Soroti Mayor, says his driver, Joseph Atikiro is among the suspects. The mayor has condemned the arrest, saying police ought to have offered protection instead of teargasing people in prayer.
The mayor further faulted police for not only arresting his driver but also impounding his office vehicle.